Ramblings of a modern druidess

Tag Archives: Castlefest

It’s been a while, I know. I’m writing this blogthing for our local newspaper and it’s really nice, but as it’s also a weekly thing, I kind of forget to write my own column. Shame on me.

Just got back from a long weekend of Castlefest. For those of you who have never heard of it, it’s the Festival of Light, in honour of the sun-god, Lugh. It’s on the grounds of Castle Keukenhof. Yes, near the famous tulip fields. If you’re ever in the neighbourhood, it’s well worth a visit.

Castlefest is always the first weekend of August, coinciding with the celebration of Lughnasadh, the first of three harvest celebrations. Every year there is a big wickerman, which took the form of the wise owl this year, it was magical. We had a lovely group meditation to tune in to the wisdom of the owl. The next day we had a lovely shamanistic dance of the beat of dozens of drums. Me and my dear friend danced blindfolded round the circle. It really increases your other senses and it was very special to share this with her. Neither of us danced blindfolded before, so it was a first for both of us. The drums appeared to be attached to my body, the sound seemed so close!

The wicker burning was very moving and brought a tear to my eye, in a good way. And the crowd went crazy when Faun started my favourite song, Wind und Geige. I jumped up and down like crazy, letting go of all the energy.

Now I’m slowly preparing for another ritual and next year, we’ll have another Castlefest. Already looking forward to it.

Lughnasdh is almost upon us, one of the harvest festivals, also the time of Castlefest, festival of Light, which I’m only attending one day this year, but looking forward to seeing old and new friends.

My book now rests in the hands of my, hopefully, future publisher. Bit nerve wrecking actually, but also quite appropiate for this time of year. Whether or not it sees the light of day, I will pursue this line of career, because it’s what truly makes me happy. This year (we’re counting from Samhuinn, the end of October) has been around reinventing myself and my life. What is it I truly want and need? How do I want my body to look and feel? Now reaching the harvest part of the year I’m certainly not there yet, but getting there, yes and it makes me look back with a content smile around my mouth. I finally feel I do hold the power to change my life and control it, to an certain extend of course, as control is an illusion. It’s more the feeling of being free to choose the path which really makes me happy, even when it’s also very scary at times to follow your dreams.
But on to reality, I’ve got another day of writing ahead of me. The first half may be at my publisher now, but if they give the go ahead, I’m pretty sure they’ll want it straight away, so better get cracking at those final chapters!

Until next week peeps. Have a good harvest and even better dreams.Castlefest